Police pass B-tests

NO police officers have fallen foul of a new random drink and drug testing regime since it was introduced by Greater Manchester Police. Among the officers who passed the tests was Acting Chief Constable Dave Whatton.

NO police officers have fallen foul of a new random drink and drug testing regime since it was introduced by Greater Manchester Police.

Among the officers who passed the tests was Acting Chief Constable Dave Whatton.

Since May 12 two departments in GMP have been visited by independent testers.

On May 21, the day of the Uefa Cup final when the force was at its most stretched, the testers visited South Manchester division and the force's X department, which incorporates specialist units like firearms, air support and the crack Tactical Aid Unit.

Mr Whatton was tested in his office at the Chester House HQ in Old Trafford, although his test was by invitation, rather than at random, to show fellow officers the procedure was quick and professional.

An independent company has been drafted in to test some of the 3,000 officers in key roles out of a police force of 8,000.

Officers picked out are breathalysed to test for alcohol. Anyone found with more than 13 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath fails the test. The drink drive limit is 35mg.

Police also have swabs of saliva taken to look for illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines.

Those who fail face a disciplinary hearing, which could lead to the sack.

So far around 30 officers have been caught out in other forces.

Around 600 police a year - in `safety critical roles' like firearms and drugs officers, drivers and senior officers - will be tested under the new GMP regime.

After demonstrating he had no alcohol or drugs in his system, Mr Whatton told the force magazine Brief: "This is a significant change for the force but one for the better.

"It is a change that will protect all of us as well as further improve the excellent service we deliver to our communities.

"I am aware that some of our officers may be concerned about the impact these policies will have on them and I wanted not only to reassure them of the process but also of the commitment from myself and the command team."